What Lab Tasks Should You Digitalize First: A Practical Guide

Interview with Slobodan Gacas, Chief Engineer Officer: What Lab Tasks Should You Digitalize First?

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Nowadays, it’s not an easy task being a laboratory manager. This is because laboratories face many challenges, from budget constraints to increasing regulatory demands. Digital transformation is no longer optional - it’s essential.  

But your troubles will not be over once you start your lab’s digital transformation journey. The next big decision you need to make is which lab tasks to digitalize first? So, to make this process a bit easier for you, we have asked our expert to share some advice.  

Slobodan Gacas is Enlight Engineering’s Chief Engineering Officer. He has worked in the field of healthcare & lab software development for years and has much experience in laboratory digitalization and digital transformations in the healthcare sector. He has also worked with one of the most notable Enlight Engineering clients Eurofins.

Let’s see what he has to say about where to start with lab digitalization.  

What do you think is the most critical question lab managers should ask when starting their digitalization journey?

Slobodan Gacas: The big question is: Where will digitalization make the biggest difference? With so many possibilities, labs should start by tackling the tasks that eat up the most time, are prone to errors, or are critical for compliance. Think about automating sample tracking to prevent mix-ups, integrating instruments to eliminate manual data entry, or using real-time monitoring to catch issues before they escalate. The key is to build a solid digital foundation that makes everyday work easier and sets the stage for even bigger improvements down the line.

Before we get into specific tasks, why should labs prioritize digitalization?

Slobodan Gacas: The laboratories and healthcare industry in general is undergoing a seismic shift. There is so much data to handle today, and manual processes simply can't keep up. But digitalization isn’t about handling manual data and making everything go faster – it's about making sure your work is accurate and compliant at all times. Moreover, it helps scale the business and makes it sustainable in the long run.  

If you’re not embracing digital transformation, you’re already falling behind. The labs that successfully integrate digital workflows will be the ones setting the industry standards in the next five to ten years.

What’s the first step in the digitalization process?

Slobodan Gacas: As I already mentioned, step one is to focus on high-volume, repetitive tasks. These consume a lot of time and are prone to human error.

Let me give you an example and a possible solution to the problem:

Labs handle thousands of samples daily, making manual tracking inefficient. Implementing a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) with barcode or RFID integration ensures accurate, automated sample tracking. Our Storage Manager project takes this a step further, using robotic arms for sample storage and retrieval, minimizing manual handling.

Here’s another example: Manual entry of test results increases errors. We have a project with Eurofins where our ICRV Drivers automate instrument data handling, reducing mistakes and improving efficiency.

How important is instrument integration in a modern lab?

Slobodan Gacas: Instrument integration is the backbone of a truly modern laboratory. In the healthcare sector where precision and speed are everything, relying on disconnected systems is like using a typewriter in the age of artificial intelligence.

When instruments work in isolation, lab staff waste time manually entering data, transferring files, and double-checking for errors. A well-integrated lab, on the other hand, allows data to move seamlessly between instruments, software, and reporting systems.

Take sample analysis, for example. Many labs struggle with preparing input files for instruments and validating test results manually, which can lead to misconfigurations and slow turnaround times. To solve this, we developed ICRV, a tool that automates sequence preparation and prevalidates analysis results before they reach connected systems like CL-AP or ERP. This eliminates manual setup errors, speeds up workflows, and ensures data integrity from start to finish.

By integrating instruments, scientists can focus on actual research rather than administrative tasks, whereas lab staff can focus on improving overall productivity and refining processes.  

Quality control is another critical area in labs. How can digitalization improve QC processes?

Slobodan Gacas: Quality control is essential but time-consuming. Digital tools bring speed and precision to QC workflows.

The real value of digital QC isn’t just efficiency - it’s confidence. When you automate quality control, you eliminate subjectivity and ensure every process meets the highest standards, every time.

Let me offer you some real-life examples:

• Manual tracking of calibration schedules leads to oversight. A LIMS with built-in QC modules ensures timely alerts and digital compliance records.
• Investigating deviations manually can slow down operations.  

Reporting and documentation are often pain points. How can digital tools help?

Slobodan Gacas: Laboratories need to maintain extensive documentation, and this can be simplified and automated with digital tools. What’s more, auditors don’t forgive mistakes. If you happen to lack audit-ready documentation you are in for a huge awakening in the form of penalties compliance issues, and potential reputational damage. Missing or inconsistent records can lead to costly corrective actions, and even legal consequences.

For example, our client had previous manual report generation which ate up a lot of their time and was susceptible to errors. Our solution was Test Results Export Automation tool which simplifies PDF report creation and delivery. In this way, their PDF reports were always audit-ready, with the right information and right on time.  

Inventory and resource management are also major concerns. How does digitalization optimize these areas?

Slobodan Gacas: Manual inventory tracking also causes stock shortages or overordering. Digitalizing inventory management improves lab readiness and reduces waste, whereas inefficient equipment usage drives up costs. So, for example, the integration of our Robotic Arm with ERP provides real-time equipment usage data. This makes it easier to optimize schedules and maintenance.

What are the benefits of end-to-end workflow digitalization?

Slobodan Gacas: Imagine you’re baking a cake. Instead of following the full recipe step by step, you decide to mix the batter, but you don’t preheat the oven. Then, you bake the cake but forget to grease the pan. Finally, you try to decorate it before it has even cooled.

Each step might seem fine on its own, but because you didn’t think about the whole process, you end up with a messy cake.

The same goes for labs. Optimizing individual tasks - like automating data entry or improving sample tracking - helps, but if the entire workflow isn’t connected, inefficiencies and errors will still pile up. A well-integrated system ensures that every part of the process works together seamlessly, delivering consistent, high-quality results.

Data silos are the biggest threat to lab efficiency. The future belongs to labs that can integrate all their systems into a single, intelligent workflow. That’s where real digital transformation happens.

Many digital tools operate in silos, requiring manual intervention. Our Proxy (Middle Layer for Integration) connects new and legacy systems, ensuring smooth data flow.

Finally, what advice would you give to labs looking to create a roadmap for digitalization?

Slobodan Gacas: Labs should follow a structured approach:

1. Evaluate current systems: Assess LIMS, ERP, and instrument connectivity to identify gaps. ‍
2. Set goals you can measure: Define clear objectives, such as reducing turnaround times or improving data accuracy.
3. ‍Start small, scale strategically: Begin with high-impact, low-complexity tasks to demonstrate value before expanding. Don’t go overboard otherwise you’ll just feel overwhelmed. You might also get demotivated if things don’t turn out the way you expected. Step by step is the key.  ‍
4. Engage key stakeholders: Work with technicians, IT teams, and compliance officers to align digitalization with operational needs. ‍
5. Invest in scalable solutions: Choose platforms that can grow with the lab’s needs. ‍
6. Provide training and support: Equip staff with the knowledge to effectively use and manage digital tools.  

In conclusion, what’s the key takeaway for lab managers considering digital transformation?

Slobodan Gacas: The best time to digitalize was yesterday. The second-best time is now. Laboratories that embrace digital transformation today will be the industry leaders of tomorrow.

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